FAYETTE — Starling Hall will open to the public June 6 after a renovation by the Maine Cabin Masters, which restored the historic building’s entrance, exterior details and flagpole.

The open house is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Starling Hall episode of “Maine Cabin Masters” is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. June 15 on Magnolia Network, according to Jaime Nelson, line producer.

The renovation marks a major step in the effort to revive Starling Hall as a community center while preserving the historic character of a Fayette landmark built in the 19th century and long tied to the town’s civic and social life.

The building’s history dates to 1877, when members of Starling Grange No. 156 decided to build a permanent meeting hall. Land was donated by T.F. Palmer, and the building committee included civil engineer the Rev. E.R. French and local carpenters T.F. Palmer and Alfred Tuttle.

Starling Hall was dedicated March 8, 1879, making it among the first purpose-built Grange halls in Maine. It became a center of local activity, hosting the Farmers’ League, the North Fayette Lyceum, the Sons of Temperance, balls, oyster suppers and local musical events.

After the Grange disbanded in 1980s, the town accepted ownership of the building and continued using it for community purposes.

In 2014, when town leadership began considering selling the property, residents formed the nonprofit Friends of Starling Hall. With guidance from Maine Preservation, the group successfully nominated the property to the National Register of Historic Places and has worked with the town on preservation efforts.

In 2017, the hall was moved onto a new foundation. The building had been close to the road, where it was vulnerable to traffic and winter plow damage. The move also allowed repairs to the sills and reinforcement of the first-floor joists.

Since then, Friends of Starling Hall has worked with the town on improvements, including a code-compliant entrance; a new well; electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems; a rear ramp to improve first-floor accessibility; and an updated commercial kitchen for meals, meetings and fundraisers.

The Maine Cabin Masters work added another visible phase to that restoration effort.

Cast members involved included Chase Morrill; his sister, Ashley Morrill; her husband, Ryan Eldridge; and Jared “Jedi” Baker. The group appeared at a live event with Carolyn Fox, executive editor of Maine Trust for Local News, in Portland, where they discussed their renovation of Spruce Mountain Ski Lodge in Jay, along with their Maine roots, growing up around lakes and giving back to communities so families can continue making memories in shared places.

The renovation at Spruce Mountain Ski Area’s lodge was revealed in December 2024. The ski area is owned by the towns of Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls.

Alma Rooney, president of Friends of Starling Hall, said her experience of the renovation was different from others because she and her husband live next door and were working on the exterior of their own home while the Cabin Masters worked on the hall.

“Every day I could hear them hammering and using power tools while diligently working on the hall,” Rooney said. “They had asked us not to get too close to the project so that we would be surprised when it was done.”

That changed when Rooney saw the flag flying above the trees.

“Wow, a feeling of pride came over me,” Rooney said.

Rooney said she was not disappointed when she finally saw the finished project.

“The new front porch and entry invite you into the building,” Rooney said. “The end result is a welcome change; Starling Hall no longer looks old and tired. I really appreciate all of the Maine Cabin Masters and the care that they put into our community treasure.”

Renee Keen, vice president of Friends of Starling Hall, said working with the Maine Cabin Masters was “fun, exciting and truly a great experience.”

“The hall had reached a point where the peeling paint, rusting metal roof and aging clapboards made it clear that the building was in desperate need of attention,” Keen said.

She said the renovation included a transformed front entrance with pine boards, new doors and windows that bring natural light into the building.

“The Maine Cabin Masters approached the project with care and respect, ensuring that the hall’s historic character was preserved from the exterior siding and trim to the architectural details that make the building so special,” Keen said.

One of the most meaningful parts of the project, Keen said, was Chase Morrill’s discovery of a tall cedar post in a nearby Fayette barn. Morrill crafted the post into the flagpole that now stands in front of Starling Hall.

Lori Beaulieu, a member of Friends of Starling Hall, said she was pleased with the finished work.

“I love it,” Beaulieu said. “They did a great job. I especially like the newly remodeled interior front entrance.”

Keen said Ashley Morrill designed a new exterior sign and restored the original lettering on the building.

“The entire experience was humbling, and we look forward to hosting many more community events, meetings and fundraisers in this Fayette landmark that we are so proud of,” Keen said.